Open house kicks off new project

Valley Community for Recycling Solutions volunteers and newcomers gathered Friday evening at the nonprofit's location just off Palmer-Wasilla Highway, adjacent to North 49th State Street.

In addition to being wowed with magic tricks by VCRS Board President Steve Brown and winning door prizes, the open house was an opportunity for people interested in recycling to find out more about where recyclables go after they're dropped off at the facility, and more about the full life cycle of a manufactured product.

"It's an opportunity to raise awareness in the community," said board member Susan Simpson at the event. "It gives people an opportunity to meet with others who recycle in their neighborhood."

The open house also gave VCRS coordinators an opportunity to talk about the next big purchase they're planning -- a horizontal Barracuda baler with a conveyor belt and a mobile loading ramp. The new baler, VCRS director Mollie Boyer said, would allow the group to increase efficiency by creating tighter, more compact bales of aluminum, plastic and tin. With shipping, the new baler will cost an estimated $118,000.